How to Fix Firestick Remote Not Controlling Soundbar
Firestick remote not controlling soundbar? Frustrating, isn’t it? You have the perfect movie or TV show ready to go, but you can’t get to control your soundbar volume with the Firestick remote. Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
This is a common issue that you might likely run into if you’re using the Fire TV equipment control feature on your devices. In this post, I will provide you with simple and easy methods you can use to fix this issue in no time.
First, check that your soundbar is properly connected to your TV and Firestick. Make sure that the cables are securely plugged in and that the correct input source is selected on your soundbar.
If you’re still having trouble, try resetting your Firestick remote. This can be done by holding down the Home button for 10 seconds and then releasing it. If that doesn’t work, try replacing the batteries in your remote.
While the provided tips are helpful, there’s more to discover later in the post.
Why Won’t My Firestick Remote Control My Soundbar?
There are several reasons why your Firestick remote may suddenly stop communicating with your soundbar. Since everything is working perfectly in past times, there’s likely a specific factor at play.
Here are some of the most common reasons:
Weak Batteries
The most common reason why your Firestick remote may not be controlling your soundbar is due to low battery charge. If the batteries in your remote are low, it may not have enough power to send signals to your soundbar.
Obstacles Blocking the Signals
Another reason why your Firestick remote may not be controlling your soundbar is due to obstacles blocking the signals.
If there are any physical objects between your remote and soundbar, such as walls or furniture, it may interfere with the signals.
Remote Pairing Issue
If your Firestick remote is not correctly paired with your soundbar, it will not work. Make sure to check if your remote is properly paired to control your soundbar as one of the Fire TV equipment. If not, follow this instructions for pairing the remote with your soundbar.
HDMI CEC
Your TV must have an HDMI-ARC input if you want to use the Firestick remote to control your soundbar. Make sure to refresh the HDMI connection before adding another device.
Additionally, the HDMI CEC feature on your Firestick must be turned on. If this is turned off, your remote might not be able to control your soundbar.
Soundbar Compatibility
Lastly, your soundbar may not be compatible with your Firestick remote. Some soundbars require a specific type of remote or may not be compatible with certain devices.
Check the compatibility of your soundbar with your Firestick remote before assuming that it is a problem with the remote.
Troubleshooting Firestick Remote Not Controlling Soundbar
Check Your Firestick Remote Batteries
To begin with, if your Firestick remote is not controlling your soundbar, the first thing you should check is the battery status of your remote.
To do this, go to Settings >> Controllers & Bluetooth Devices >> Amazon Fire TV Remote. Here, you can check the battery status of your remote.
That OK report means everything is alright with the remote while Offline means the opposite. If the battery status shows Offline instead of OK, it is likely that your batteries are dead.
And also, there may be signal interference or a software issue causing the problem.
In such cases, try removing the batteries from your remote and replacing them with fresh ones. Make sure the batteries are properly inserted and that the battery compartment is clean.
Move on to the next section for detailed instructions on how to do this.
Replace Dead Remote Batteries
When the remote battery status shows Offline, and you’ve been getting a low battery notification on your screen, the issue might definitely be with the remote batteries, which are due for replacement.
To replace the dead batteries, follow these simple steps:
- Remove the old batteries from the remote by sliding the battery cover off the back of the remote.
- Insert new batteries into the battery compartment, making sure to match the positive and negative ends correctly.
- Slide the battery cover back onto the remote until it clicks into place.
- After replacing the batteries, test the remote to see if it is working properly.
It’s also a good idea to clean the battery compartment to avoid corrosion. Simply use a dry cloth or cotton swab to wipe away any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the compartment.
This will help ensure that the new batteries work properly and extend the life of your remote.
And also, always avoid replacing your remote batteries with one new battery and one old battery.
It’s best to use a pair of fresh batteries to ensure optimal performance and avoid any further issues with your remote.
Check and Remove Interference and Obstruction
Another thing to look for here is any obstructions that may affecting the remote signal. When your Firestick remote is not controlling your soundbar, it could also be due to interference or obstruction. Here’s what you can do to fix it:
- Check for obstructions: Make sure there are no physical obstructions between your Firestick remote and the soundbar. Move any objects that might be blocking the signal, such as furniture, curtains, or other devices.
- Check for interference: Wireless devices such as Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, and even other remotes can interfere with the signal between your Firestick remote and the soundbar. Try turning off other wireless devices in the area to see if that helps.
- Move closer to the soundbar: If you are too far away from the soundbar, the signal might not be strong enough to control it. Try moving closer to the soundbar and see if that helps.
By checking for interference and removing any obstructions, you can improve the signal strength between your Firestick remote and the soundbar, making it easier to control the soundbar.
Power Cycle Your TV & the Firestick
Power cycling your TV and Firestick can help refresh their settings and connections, which may be causing issues with your Firestick remote.
This is another simple and easy step that you can try before moving on to more advanced troubleshooting steps.
To power cycle your TV and Firestick, follow these steps:
- Turn off your TV and unplug it from the power outlet.
- Unplug your Firestick from the HDMI port on your TV.
- Wait for about 30 seconds.
- Plug your TV back into the power outlet and turn it on.
- Wait for your TV to fully start up.
- Plug your Firestick back into the HDMI port on your TV.
- Wait for your Firestick to fully start up.
Once your TV and Firestick have fully started up, try using your Firestick remote to control your soundbar. If the issue persists, then move to the next troubleshooting step.
Reset and Re-pair the Firestick Remote
If restarting both your TV and the Firestick doesn’t solve the issue, you might want to disconnect and re-establish the connection between your Firestick remote and the Firestick.
This is a quick and easy process, not as complex as it sounds. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the batteries from your Firestick remote.
- Unplug your Firestick device from the power source and wait for a minute.
- Plug in your Firestick device and wait until it fully boots up.
- Put the batteries back into your Firestick remote.
- Press and hold the Home button on your remote for at least 20 seconds.
- Release the Home button and wait for the remote to pair with your Firestick device.
Most of the time, the Firestick remote automatically pairs with the device on startup if it’s in close proximity, which doesn’t require pressing and holding the home button on the remote.
But if it doesn’t work like that in your case, you’ll need to pair it manually.
Reconfigure the Firestick Remote Controls Your Soundbar
Here, you need to ensure that the equipment control connection between your soundbar and Firestick is still available.
Sometimes, over time, the connection might have been affected without you realizing it. Here’s what you need to do:
- Go to Settings on your Firestick.
- Scroll down and click on Equipment Control.
- Select Manage Equipment.
- Now select your Soundbar from the list of devices.
- Go through the options and click Change Soundbar.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the setup process.
When you select your soundbar from the list of devices, you will need to select the soundbar brand and model number to ensure that the Firestick can communicate with it properly.
Make sure you have this information handy before you start the setup process.
Check For Damaged Remote
Inspect your remote for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or breaks. If you find any, it is likely that your remote is damaged and needs to be replaced.
You can purchase a replacement remote from Amazon or other retailers that sell Firestick accessories. Make sure to check if the new remote is compatible with your Firestick model and soundbar before purchasing.
Remember, it is important to take care of your remote to prevent damage. Avoid dropping or throwing your remote, and always handle it with care.
If you do need to replace your remote, consider purchasing a protective case to help prevent future damage.
Contact Support for Assistance
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and your Firestick remote is still not controlling your soundbar, it may be time to contact support for further assistance
Amazon offers customer service for their Firestick products. You can contact them by phone or chat to get help with your remote control issues.
They may be able to provide additional troubleshooting steps or help you determine if your remote is defective and needs to be replaced.
Finale
Don’t let a misbehaving Firestick remote ruin your movie nights! With simple troubleshooting steps and proper fine-tuning, you can regain control over your soundbar.
Check connections, reset the remote, and replace batteries if needed. Follow these tips to enjoy uninterrupted entertainment and a seamless viewing experience. Happy streaming!
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